Oregon School Activities Association 25200 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 1 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503.682.6722 fax: 503.682.0960 www.osaa.org OSAA Speech Handbook ‐ General Debate Rules 12. General Debate Rules 12.1. Application. These rules apply to all debate forms: Oregon Style Cross‐Examination Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate and Lincoln‐Douglas Debate. 12.2. Conflicts. Debaters may enter only one form of debate. 12.3. Scheduling. Oregon Style Cross‐Examination Debate and Lincoln‐Douglas Debate shall run concurrently, if possible. 12.4. Posting time. Debate pairing shall not be posted more than 30 minutes before each round. 12.5. Eliminations. At the district tournament, every team is assured of two debates, but shall be eliminated from further competition after losing two debates. At the Speech State Championships, every team is assured of four debates, but shall be eliminated from further competition after losing one debate past the fourth round. 12.6. "Scouting". Contestants and coaches are discouraged from any form of scouting. In general, all students and coaches are allowed to hear their own debaters as well as any special Finals in Debate. However, debaters remaining in competition may not listen to debates in which they are not participants. 12.7. Ballots. Judges shall use Oregon High School Speech League debate ballots. Samples are available in the Appendix of this Speech Handbook. Competing schools shall each receive a copy of the tear‐apart ballot. 12.8. Evidence Exchanges during the Round. It is recommended that evidence not be exchanged by debaters during debate rounds. Judges shall limit their requests for evidence to checks for accuracy and authenticity. 12.9. Evidence Source Citations. Debaters must cite, in the round, complete source citations including author, qualifications, publication, date and page number for each source used. Evidence not completely cited shall be treated as nonexistent by judges. Subsequent references to the same source in the same round may be less complete if the full source citation is included on the evidence and is available upon request. 12.10. Critiques. Judges may not provide oral critiques. All critiques including specific comments about the round and general comments about debate strategies and philosophies shall be written on the ballot. A description of the judge’s paradigm by the judge prior to the round shall not be considered an oral critique. 12.11. Disclosure. Except on the ballot, judges shall not disclose the outcome of a round with the participants in the round. Further, judges shall not discuss the performance of students they have judged with those students at any time during the tournament. 12.12. Guidelines for Electronic Device Use. Electronic devices are allowed in Public Forum and Lincoln‐Douglas Debate only. 12.12.1. Computers equipped with removable wireless cards must have the cards removed before the beginning of any round of competition. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disengage the equipment. 12.12.2. Computers with built‐in wireless capability may be used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disable the equipment. 12.12.3. Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during rounds of competition are not permitted. 12.12.4. Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information from any source (coaches or assistant coaches included) inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside the competition room are prohibited. (This does not prohibit non‐electronic communication between debate partners during prep time.) 12.12.5. Penalty: Contestants found to have violated provisions 12.12.1 through 12.12.3 will forfeit the round of competition. Contestants found to have violated provision 12.12.4 will be disqualified from the tournament and will forfeit all rounds. The tournament director shall make the final decision concerning disqualification. 12.12.6. Availability of Evidence: Contestants electing to use computers have the responsibility to promptly provide a copy of any evidence read in a speech for inspection by the judge or opponent. Printers may be used. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically, but must be provided in a format readable by the opposing team and the judge. 12.12.7. Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords, and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants. 12.12.8. Because public speaking decorum remains an important element of debate, all debaters are expected to stand at the front of the room facing the judge while speaking. 12.12.9. Contestants choosing to use computers and related equipment accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no special consideration or accommodation, including no additional speech time or prep time, should equipment failure occur. 12.12.10. By choosing to use computers in the round, debaters are consenting to give tournament officials the right to search their files. Debaters who do not wish to consent should not use computers in the round. G:\Speech\Ballots\2015‐16\General Debate Rules.doc Updated: 9/21/2015 13.1. Oregon Style Cross‐Examination Debate 13.1.1. Divisions (a) At the District contest, schools shall be divided based upon OSAA size classification. Debate teams representing 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A schools shall compete in the "Small School" division; Debate teams representing 5A and 6A schools shall compete in the "Large School" division. (b) At the State contest, all teams shall be combined into a single division regardless of the division in which they competed at the District level. 13.1.2. Team size (a) Teams may compete as two, three or four‐person teams. On a two‐person team, both speakers must be prepared to debate both sides of the resolution; on a three‐person team, one speaker shall debate both affirmative and negative, one shall debate only affirmative, and one shall debate only negative; and on a four‐person team, two speakers may debate on affirmative and two on negative, or they may interchange at their discretion so long as only two speakers participate in any one debate. The third and / or fourth members of the team shall sit apart from the participants and shall not communicate in any way with the speakers during the round. (b) Under the two, three or four‐person arrangement, each ROUND shall involve only one debate, either affirmative or negative, for each team. 13.1.3. Length and order of speeches Eight Minutes Three Minutes Eight Minutes Three Minutes Eight Minutes Three Minutes Eight Minutes Three Minutes Five Minutes Five Minutes Five Minutes Five Minutes First Affirmative Constructive Cross‐Examination* by a Negative Speaker First Negative Constructive Cross‐Examination* by an Affirmative Speaker Second Affirmative Constructive Cross‐Examination* by the other Negative Speaker Second Negative Constructive Cross‐Examination* by the other Affirmative Speaker First Negative Rebuttal First Affirmative Rebuttal Second Negative Rebuttal Second Affirmative Rebuttal *NOTE: “Tag team” cross‐examination is not allowed. Cross‐examination time may not be yielded to another team member. Each member of each team is responsible for asking all of the questions of one opponent and answering all of the questions of one opponent. 13.1.4. Rebuttals (a) Speakers may change speaking order in rebuttals at the option of the coach and the team. Opening constructive speakers may speak last in rebuttal. (b) No new arguments shall be allowed in rebuttal speeches. 13.1.5. Preparation time. Each team shall have a maximum of five minutes preparation time to be used at the discretion of the team. 13.1.6. Topic. See OSAA website, www.osaa.org , Speech homepage. 13.1.7. Electronic Devices/Computers. Electronic devices may be used following these guidelines: (a) If the computer requires a card to be inserted in order to access a wireless connection, that card must be removed from the computer during the entirety of the round. (b) If the computer has built‐in wireless capability, the wireless component must be deactivated during the entirety of the round. (c) If a judge observes a competitor during the round using a computer that has the wireless card inserted or the built‐in component left active, the team which has possession of the computer shall automatically forfeit that round, and shall receive the lowest ranks and zero speaker points for the round in question. (d) Any evidence used in the round must still be available for either the opposing team or the judge to view upon request. 13.1.8. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules. G:\Speech\Ballots\2015‐16\CX Debate Rules.doc 13.4. Value Lincoln‐Douglas Debate 13.4.1. Team. In this debate form, there is only one speaker to a team. A speaker in this contest must be prepared to debate both sides of the resolution. 13.4.2. Other events. A Value Lincoln‐Douglas Debater may participate in up to two other Individual Events, but may not enter another Debate event. 13.4.3. Length and order of speeches. Six Minutes Three Minutes Seven Minutes Three Minutes Four Minutes Six Minutes Three Minutes Affirmative Constructive Speech Negative Questions Affirmative Negative Constructive Speech Affirmative Questions Negative Affirmative Rebuttal Negative Rebuttal Affirmative Rebuttal 13.4.4. Preparation Time. Each Debater shall be allowed a maximum of four minutes preparation time to be used at his / her discretion. 13.4.5. Number of District Entries. Each school may enter a maximum of three Value Lincoln‐Douglas teams in the District Tournament. In the absence of competing schools other than one, it shall be necessary to declare a Speech State Championships Qualifier by default. Each Value Lincoln‐Douglas entry counts toward the maximum allowable quantity of individual event entries per school at the District Tournament. 13.4.6. Value Debate Topics (a) September 1 ‐ October 31 The September / October NFL topic (published in the September ROSTRUM) shall be used. (b) November 1 ‐ December 31 The November / December NFL topic (published in the October ROSTRUM) shall be used. (c) January 1 ‐ February 28 (29) The January / February NFL topic (published in the December ROSTRUM) shall be used. (d) March 1 ‐ April 30 The March / April NFL topic (published in the February ROSTRUM) shall be used. 13.4.7. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules. G:\Speech\Ballots\2015‐16\LDV Debate Rules.doc 13.3. Parliamentary Debate 13.3.1. Team Size. In this debate form, there are two speakers to a team. The affirmative team is called the Proposition. The negative team is called the Opposition. 13.3.2. Length and Order of Speeches 7 minutes 8 minutes 8 minutes 8 minutes 4 minutes 5 minutes 1st Proposition constructive 1st Opposition constructive 2nd Proposition constructive 2nd Opposition constructive Opposition rebuttal (given by 1st Opposition speaker) Proposition rebuttal (given by 1st Proposition speaker) 13.3.3. Resolutions (a) There shall be three resolutions per round. (b) One resolution shall be a policy resolution, one resolution shall be a value resolution and the third resolution may be either a value or a policy resolution. 13.3.4. Topic Draw and Preparation Room Procedures (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Topics shall be drawn and preparation shall occur in the Parliamentary Debate Preparation Room. After examining the three‐posted topics, teammates should discuss and prioritize the choices. When a team’s code number is called, the team may send up one representative topic proctor. The proctor shall ask the Proposition to strike first, then the Opposition. The remaining topic shall be debated. The proctor shall sign the topic slip and give it the Proposition to deliver to the judge(s) in the competition room. Teams are to prepare in the Prep Room on the selected topic. Work only with your partner. Keep your voices low so you do not help your opponents. (g) The proctor shall dismiss both teams in a match to go to the competition room at the end of the 15‐minute preparation period. 13.3.5. Materials allowed in the Parliamentary Debate Preparation Room and in the round (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
13.3.6.
Paper Dictionary. Allowed in Preparation Room ONLY. Pens or Pencils No other items are to be used in the round or during preparation. Other people may not be used as a resource. Questions and Answers (a) In this debate form, there is no formal cross‐examination period for the speakers. (b) Instead, the speakers have the option to ask questions during the opponents’ constructive speeches. (c) When a question is desired, the questioner will stand and raise a hand to be acknowledged by the opponent who has two options: (1) Say "No Thank You" and continue. (2) Say "Proceed" and answer the question. (d) Remember that the stopwatch will not stop for a question. Speakers must present their constructive speeches and answer questions in the allowed time. Questions cannot be asked during the first and last minute of the opponents’ constructive speeches. There shall be no questions during the rebuttals. 13.3.7. Judge Participation (a) The Judge in a Parliamentary Debate is responsible for announcing each speaker and the amount of time for each speech. Example: "I will now call the second Opposition forward for an eight minute speech," etc. (b) The Judge is also responsible for letting the speakers know when to ask questions during the constructive by "rapping on the desk" when the speaker is one minute into the constructive and "rapping" again when one minute is left to speak. (c) The Judge shall disregard any arguments made over the time limits. The Judge shall disregard new arguments in rebuttals with the exception of the Proposition’s response to new arguments made in the 2nd Opposition constructive. New examples, analysis, analogies, etc., which support previously introduced arguments are permitted in rebuttal speeches. (d) The Judge shall penalize misrepresentations of opponent’s arguments, personal attacks on opponents and rudeness by reducing speaker points and factoring such infractions into the decision. 13.3.8. Heckling. No heckling is allowed other than supportive knocking, patting, or applause. 13.3.9. Points of Order and Points of Personal Privilege are not allowed. 13.3.10. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules. G:\Speech\Ballots\2015‐16\Parliamentary Debate Rules.doc 13.2. Public Forum Debate (from “NFL District Tournament Manual”) 13.2.1. Team Size. In this debate form, there are two speakers to a team. 13.2.2. Topic. The NFL April Public Forum Topic will be used at the State Speech Tournament. The topic is released on March 1, and is posted on the NFL website: www.nflonline.org 13.2.3. Sides/Burdens. A team represents either the “pro” or the “con” side of the resolution. Public Forum Debate focuses on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presented in the resolution, not a prescribed set of burdens. 13.2.4. Side Draw Procedure. Prior to every round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of the topic they wish to defend (pro or con) OR the SPEAKING POSITION they wish to have (begin the debate or end the debate). The remaining option (SIDE OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. Once speaking positions and sides have been determined, the debate may begin. 13.2.5. Speaking Procedure. Each speaker shall have four minutes for constructive argument, alternating between pro and con. (Please keep in mind that the debate may begin with a con speech.) Following the first two constructive speeches, the two debaters who have just given speeches will stand and participate in a three‐minute "crossfire". In "crossfire," both debaters "hold the floor," however, the first question must be asked by the speaker who spoke first. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the end of the first "crossfire", the four‐
minute constructive arguments are continued by the students yet to speak. At the conclusion of the last two constructive arguments, another three‐minute "crossfire" takes place between the two debaters who just spoke using the crossfire procedure discussed above. Following the four constructive speeches and two "crossfire" segments, the 1st speakers for each team will each give a two‐minute summary continuing established alternation. The summary speeches should include the arguments his or her team is winning and refutation of arguments the team is losing. At the conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three‐minute "Grand Crossfire" in which all four debaters are allowed to cross‐examine one another. The first question must be asked by the speaker who gave the first summary speech. At the conclusion of the "Grand Crossfire", the second speakers will each give a two‐minute "Final Focus" speech. The "Final Focus" is a persuasive final restatement of why a team has won the debate 13.2.6. Time Limits. 4 minutes First Speaker ‐ Team A 4 minutes First Speaker ‐ Team B 3 minutes Crossfire 4 minutes Second Speaker ‐ Team A 4 minutes Second Speaker ‐ Team B 3 minutes Crossfire 2 minutes Summary ‐ First Speaker ‐ Team A 2 minutes Summary ‐ First Speaker ‐ Team B 3 minutes Grand Crossfire 2 minute Final Focus ‐ Second Speaker ‐ Team A 2 minute Final Focus ‐ Second Speaker ‐ Team B Prep Time (per team) = 2 Minutes 13.2.7. Plans/Counterplans. In Public Forum Debate, a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation is considered a plan or counterplan. Neither the pro nor the con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions. 13.2.8. Prompting. Oral prompting, except time signals, either by the speaker’s colleague or by any other person while the debater has the floor, is discouraged though not prohibited and may be penalized by some judges. Debaters may, however, refer to their notes and materials and may consult with their teammates while they do not have the floor and during the Grand Crossfire. 13.2.9. Reading Case. A team may decide, when asked by the opponent team for a copy of their case, whether or not to provide it; if the team refuses, they shall not be penalized in any way. 13.2.10. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules. G:\Speech\Ballots\2015‐16\Public Forum Debate Rules.doc